TINA OLSEN THE BREEDER/OWNER HANDLER
1. When were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed? I was introduced to the sport and to the French Bulldog in the early 1990s. 2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? I’ve been in dogs for many years: 15 as an Owner Handler and 20-plus as a Breeder. 3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended any handling seminars? Yes, I did attend show handling classes and handling seminars. 4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Classes? Videos? Websites? Social Media? I have found these tools to be somewhat helpful. 5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings impor- tant to you? Yes, I compete in NOHS, and the ratings are starting to become important. 6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties? The Bred-By Class is VERY important to me. Now that Specialties are get- ting closer, yes, they are important too. 7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Yes, it is a challenge to compete as a Breeder/Owner Handler with Frenchies. 8. Are you intimidated by the Professional Handlers? By the Judges? I’m not always intimidated by the Professional Handlers, but sometimes I know it’s just a fact. I’m sometimes intimidated by the newer Judges. 9. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? I’m self-taught, but Kathy Clayton has been a great mentor and friend. As a breeder, my vet and multiple people have been mentors. 10. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the dog sport? I feel I want to show what I breed as a guide/tool to our program. 11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? Is there a milestone that has eluded you? My goals are putting conformation titles and Top 20 on dogs that we breed. As a breeder, my goals are the same. I’m still looking for some Group #1 wins. 12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/ Owner Handler? Once, about 15 years ago, I showed a pup and a received 5-point major. Thinking he was just a “filler,” I stood and looked at the judge like, “Are you sure???” He was just supposed to help build a major! Barbara Canduff, a very dear friend and fellow owner who is above and beyond supportive and keeps me in check.
H ello! I am Tina Olsen with Starlette French Bulldogs. I’m proud to be a Breeder/Owner Handler. We have achieved AKC Breeder of Merit status and are proud to be responsible breeders. We follow OFA health testing in our program. We are proud to be members of the French Bulldog Club of Amer- ica and we have two generations of dogs that have received their ROM with FBDCA. That’s lots of hard work. Frenchies are very competitive breed to show in conformation—always a challenge. It's a challenge to build and hold majors. I truly love the French Bull- dog and choose to focus on this breed—always and forever. I am always trying to learn better skills and I am willing to help anyone who might need a bit of help. I want to help and preserve well-bred, happy, and healthy French Bulldogs. Also, I want to educate the public against non-standard colors. With the help of a friend, Shelia Smith, I started an up-and-running French Bulldog Club of Colorado. I would like to give credit to my biggest supporter and partner, my hus- band, Dan Olsen. Without him, I would not be here.
“My goals are putting conformation titles and Top 20 on dogs that we breed.”
172 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
Powered by FlippingBook